Chiang Mai

Thailand

Chiang Mai University Beach Volley Court

I played pickup here every week for a month. Super friendly group. Mix of students at the university + those living in the area. Skill level was intermediate to advanced, but I think they'd welcome all skills.

Mama noi Thai Cookery School

I'm sure most of the cooking classes are similar. This was one I did and can vouch for it. I paid around $40 and got to make 3 dishes, mango sticky rice, and thai tea. The kao soy tasted just like the versions I'd been buying on the street.

Chiangmai Highlanders Ball Hockey

Pickup ball hockey every Thursday evening. There's a facebook group. Bunch of ex-pats (mostly Canadians). $100 baht. Super fun!

The North Gate Jazz Co-Op

Super cool live jazz spot. Tough to find seating, but an awesome venue regardless. It's several stories and has several different rooms where they play.

Wat Pha Lat Hike (Monk's trail)

4.5 mile out-and-back trail. Halfway point is a beautiful temple. 4.5 miles might not seem so bad but this hike was STEEP! I got a great workout in. The views from the temple was a nice reward. Note, there is 1 temple along the way that's more in the woods. That's not Wat Pha Lat. Keep going. You can also drive up to this temple so you won't be the only one. Tons of tourists go here. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/thailand/chiang-mai/doi-suthep-monk-trail

Doi Inthanon

National park about 1.5-2 hours away from Chiang Mai. Incredible mountain views! I booked a trip via getyourguide.com. It was a full day event. They picked me up from my Airbnb. We spent the morning at Doi Inthanon & then the afternoon at an elephant sanctuary.

Sunday Night Market

This is their main market everyone talks about. I feel like you've gotta do this, especially if you're in town on a Sunday night. However, it definitely was not my favorite market. It's super, super crowded, or at least was when I was there. Tons of shopping vendors and food. Would definitely recommend, but I much preferred the smaller, slower-paced night markets.

Samoeng Viewpoint

Rent a scooter and do the Samoeng loop. Looking back, this was one of the coolest days spend in Chiang Mai. You can do the loop in like an hour if you just go straight. I stopped at view points, restaurants, and coffee shops along the way. This was my favorite viewpoint and is the header photo for this guide.